How to Cite Netflix: A Definitive Guide for Academics and Enthusiasts
So, you’ve incorporated a captivating scene from “Stranger Things” or referenced a thought-provoking documentary like “13th” in your academic work, research paper, or even your blog. Excellent choice! But now comes the crucial question: How exactly do you cite Netflix? The answer, as with most things academic, depends on the specific content you’re citing and the citation style you’re employing (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.). However, here’s a general breakdown:
- For a TV series or movie on Netflix: Treat it as you would any other film or television show. Include the title, director (if applicable, especially for movies), performers, platform (Netflix), and the year of release.
- For a specific episode of a TV series: Include the episode title, series title, season and episode number, director (optional), writers, platform (Netflix), and the year of release.
- For a Netflix original: This is important! Note that it’s a Netflix original. This signifies that Netflix was the original distributor.
Let’s delve into the specifics of each major citation style to ensure your references are as sharp as Eleven’s telekinetic abilities.
Mastering Citation Styles: A Deep Dive
MLA (Modern Language Association) Style
MLA style emphasizes the author and the work. When citing Netflix content in MLA, remember to provide enough information for your reader to locate the specific material.
Movie on Netflix:
Title of Movie. Directed by Director’s Name (if available), Netflix, Year of Release.
Example: Roma. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, Netflix, 2018.
TV Series Episode on Netflix:
“Episode Title.” Series Title, season number, episode number, Directed by (optional), Netflix, Year of Release.
Example: “Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers.” Stranger Things, season 1, episode 1, Netflix, 2016.
Netflix Original Movie:
Title of Movie. Directed by Director’s Name (if available), Netflix, Year of Release. Netflix Original.
Example: Bird Box. Directed by Susanne Bier, Netflix, 2018. Netflix Original.
APA (American Psychological Association) Style
APA style is commonly used in social sciences. It focuses on the author and date.
Movie on Netflix:
Title of movie (Year). [Motion picture]. Director’s Name (Director). Netflix.
Example: Roma (2018). [Motion picture]. Alfonso Cuarón (Director). Netflix.
TV Series Episode on Netflix:
Writer, W. (Writer). (Year). Episode Title (Season #, Episode #) [Television series episode]. In Series Title. Production Company. Netflix.
Example: Duffer, M., & Duffer, R. (Writers). (2016). Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers (Season 1, Episode 1) [Television series episode]. In Stranger Things. 21 Laps Entertainment; Monkey Massacre. Netflix.
Netflix Original Movie:
Title of movie (Year). [Motion picture]. Director’s Name (Director). Netflix. Netflix Original.
Example: Bird Box (2018). [Motion picture]. Susanne Bier (Director). Netflix. Netflix Original.
Chicago (Turabian) Style
Chicago style offers two main formats: Notes and Bibliography, and Author-Date. Let’s look at Notes and Bibliography, which is more common for humanities disciplines.
Movie on Netflix:
Title of Movie, directed by Director’s Name. Year of Release; Netflix.
Example: Roma, directed by Alfonso Cuarón. 2018; Netflix.
TV Series Episode on Netflix:
“Episode Title,” Series Title, Season #, Episode #, directed by Director’s Name (if available), Netflix, Year of Release.
Example: “Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers,” Stranger Things, Season 1, Episode 1, Netflix, 2016.
Netflix Original Movie:
Title of Movie, directed by Director’s Name. Year of Release; Netflix. Netflix Original.
Example: Bird Box, directed by Susanne Bier. 2018; Netflix. Netflix Original.
Navigating the Nuances: Beyond the Basics
Remember these crucial points:
- Accuracy is paramount: Double-check all details. Typos or incorrect information can undermine your credibility.
- Consistency is key: Stick to one citation style throughout your work. Don’t mix and match!
- Adapt to the source: If information is missing (e.g., the director is not readily available), omit it. But don’t invent details!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Citing Netflix
1. What if I’m citing a documentary on Netflix?
Cite a documentary as you would a film. Include the title, director (if applicable), the platform (Netflix), and the year of release. Specify that it is a documentary in your citation. For instance, in APA style, indicate “[Documentary]” instead of “[Motion picture]”.
2. How do I cite something I watched on Netflix if the original source is something else (e.g., a film that was originally released in theaters)?
Cite the original source’s release information, not the Netflix streaming date. Include Netflix as the platform where you accessed the material. For example, if citing a film released in 1994 but viewed on Netflix, cite the 1994 release date.
3. Do I need to include the URL for Netflix?
Generally, no. Unlike websites, Netflix is a well-established platform and doesn’t require a URL. However, your professor or publication’s guidelines may specify otherwise, so always check.
4. What if I’m referencing a specific scene in a show or movie?
You can include a time stamp or range in your citation to pinpoint the specific moment you’re referencing. For example, in MLA style, after the year, you might add “(00:23:15-00:24:00)” to indicate the scene occurs between 23 minutes and 15 seconds and 24 minutes.
5. How do I cite a Netflix stand-up special?
Treat it as you would a film or special. Include the performer’s name, the title of the special, the platform (Netflix), and the year of release.
6. What if the director of a movie or episode isn’t listed on Netflix?
Do your research! Use IMDb or other reliable sources to find the director. If, after a thorough search, you still can’t find the information, you can omit it.
7. Is it necessary to cite Netflix if I’m just mentioning a show in passing?
If you’re simply mentioning a show as a cultural reference, you might not need a formal citation. However, if you’re analyzing the show or drawing specific details from it, a citation is necessary.
8. How do I cite a Netflix kids’ show?
The principles are the same. Treat it as you would any other TV show, including the title, episode (if applicable), and platform (Netflix).
9. What if I’m citing a foreign film or show on Netflix?
Cite the title as it appears on Netflix. If the original title is different and relevant to your analysis, you can include it in parentheses after the Netflix title.
10. What if I’m using multiple episodes from the same series?
Cite each episode individually. Don’t try to create a blanket citation for the entire series unless you’re making a general statement about the entire body of work.
11. How often should I cite Netflix content?
Cite Netflix whenever you’re directly quoting, paraphrasing, or referencing specific details from a show or movie. Over-citing is better than under-citing!
12. Where can I find more specific guidelines for citing Netflix in my chosen citation style?
Consult the official style guides for MLA, APA, Chicago, or any other style you’re using. Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) is also an excellent resource.
By following these guidelines and paying attention to detail, you can confidently and accurately cite Netflix in your academic and professional work. Happy citing, and may your research always be binge-worthy!
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